The Official WCS Members Newsletter Jul/Aug Baby Gorillas Debut at Bronx Zoo

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Female gorilla Layla (16 years old) gave birth on January 17th, and Kumi (also 16 years old) had her baby on January 19th.

Members can visit the babies and their parents in Congo Gorilla Forest (depending on weather, temperature, and other environmental factors).

young males. This award-winning habitat has raised more than $12 million for WCS s conservation programs in Africa through admission fees.

Photos: Julie Larsen Maher WCS Get to Know a Species: Western Lowland Gorilla Gorillas are the world s largest primates.

Adult females weigh between 150-250 pounds and can be up to four feet tall.

1 Members News The Official WCS Members Newsletter Jul/Aug 2015 Baby Gorillas Debut at Bronx Zoo Two infant western lowland gorillas are making their public debut at WCS s Bronx Zoo. This is the second pair of gorillas born at the Bronx Zoo in just over a year. Female gorilla Layla (16 years old) gave birth on January 17th, and Kumi (also 16 years old) had her baby on January 19th. Ernie, a 32-year-old silverback male, is the father of both babies. The gender of the infants is not yet known. Members can visit the babies and their parents in Congo Gorilla Forest (depending on weather, temperature, and other environmental factors). Congo Gorilla Forest is now home to 19 gorillas the largest group of gorillas in North America living in two breeding troops along with a troop of young males. This award-winning habitat has raised more than $12 million for WCS s conservation programs in Africa through admission fees. These are the 16th and 17th gorillas born at Congo Gorilla Forest; there have been 52 gorillas born at the Bronx Zoo since Photos: Julie Larsen Maher WCS Get to Know a Species: Western Lowland Gorilla Gorillas are the world s largest primates. They weigh only about 4 to 5 pounds at birth. Adult males weigh between pounds and can be up to six feet tall. Adult females weigh between pounds and can be up to four feet tall. Western lowland gorillas are designated as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their natural range spans tropical and subtropical forests in equatorial Africa. WCS works throughout Central Africa to protect gorillas from habitat loss and illegal hunting. To learn more about WCS s efforts to protect gorillas and their habitat, please visit wcs.org.

Bouncing Baby Baboon Photos: Julie Larsen Maher WCS On your next visit to the Bronx Zoo, be sure to visit the Baboon Reserve in the African Plains to meet the first gelada born in the United States

Weighing just one pound at birth, he will grow to be approximately 65 pounds as an adult. The Bronx Zoo is the only zoo in the U.S. that exhibits geladas.

To watch the young gelada race around the hillside, jumping and interacting with the adults is an experience not to be missed.

2 Bouncing Baby Baboon Photos: Julie Larsen Maher WCS On your next visit to the Bronx Zoo, be sure to visit the Baboon Reserve in the African Plains to meet the first gelada born in the United States in more than 13 years. The young male gelada was born in fall He has been bonding with its mother, Fayola, over the winter, and has now made his public debut. Weighing just one pound at birth, he will grow to be approximately 65 pounds as an adult. The Bronx Zoo is the only zoo in the U.S. that exhibits geladas. This is an exciting birth for the Bronx Zoo and our visitors, said Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and General Director of WCS s Zoos and Aquarium. To watch the young gelada race around the hillside, jumping and interacting with the adults is an experience not to be missed. It is an inspiring sight that transports you to the East African highlands. Old World Monkeys Geladas are a species of old world monkey. They are sometimes called gelada baboons or bleeding heart baboons for the characteristic red patch of skin on their chests. The red patch becomes more pronounced in females during the mating season to attract males. The males have a beautiful flowing cape of long hair on their backs that resembles a shawl. Geladas are a graminivores, and are unique among primates in that they feed primarily on grasses. Adult males have prominent canines that they display to other competing males, and they communicate with each other through a wide range of vocalizations and gestures. 2 Baboon Reserve The zoo s Baboon Reserve, which the geladas have called home since 1990, is representative of the natural habitat of the geladas native Ethiopian highlands. The exhibit also includes Nubian ibex, a species of long-horned mountain goat that is adapted to steep mountainous habitats, and rock hyrax, a small, terrestrial mammal that lives among rock crevices and within cliffs. Go Wild at NYisWild.com To celebrate the 120th anniversary of WCS, we re suggesting 120 Ways to Go Wild as part of a social media safari. Visit NYisWild.com to register and share your photos of the baby gelada (Way to Go Wild #64) for a chance to win one of many prizes, including a trip to Belize.

2015 Members Evenings at the Bronx Zoo Thursday, July 16 & Tuesday, July 21 4:00 P.M. 7:30 P.M. Join us rain or shine for exclusive Members-only access to the Bronx Zoo!

Take a tour of the renovated Children s Zoo to encounter new animals and say hello to familiar favorites.

Explore the new Activity Trail starting at Dancing Crane Plaza to discover how animals and humans move in different ways to stay healthy.

3 2015 Members Evenings at the Bronx Zoo Thursday, July 16 & Tuesday, July 21 4:00 P.M. 7:30 P.M. Join us rain or shine for exclusive Members-only access to the Bronx Zoo! Welcome all the zoo babies and new arrivals, including baby gorillas in Congo Gorilla Forest and a gelada in the Baboon Reserve! Take a tour of the renovated Children s Zoo to encounter new animals and say hello to familiar favorites. Visit World of Birds to learn how scientists study bird flight and other behaviors at the zoo and in the wild. Explore the new Activity Trail starting at Dancing Crane Plaza to discover how animals and humans move in different ways to stay healthy. Meet our animal keepers and learn about birds, reptiles, rhinos, and sea lions. Enjoy Wildlife Theater performances. Get a free airbrush tattoo and rock out to Annie and the Natural Wonder Band at Dancing Crane Pavilion. Take a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail and the one-of-a-kind Bug Carousel. Enjoy all the zoo has to offer! Members Evenings Benefits: FREE admission to exhibits and attractions. FREE parking after 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a 10% discount at the Dancing Crane Café and zoo shops. Schedule of Keeper Chats: Sea Lions 5:00 & 6:15 P.M. Rhinos 5:30 & 6:30 P.M. Reptiles Throughout the evening at World of Reptiles Birds Throughout the evening at World of Birds Please bring your Membership card and one form of ID to check in. Exhibits and rides will be open, weather permitting. Some animals may leave their exhibits early depending on their needs. The line for the Wild Asia Monorail closes at 6:30 P.M. All admission gates and parking lots will be open. Parking is subject to availability. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Membership O f fi c e memberevents@wcs.org Photo: Julie Larsen Maher WCS PROUD SPONSORS 3

Mornings at the Zoo 2015 Special Events for Conservation-Level Members Not a Conservation-Level Member?

If you are not a Conservation-level Member and would like to attend, you can join, renew, or upgrade your Membership today by calling 718-220-5112.

Meet the Sharks Saturday, August 15 at 9am at the New York Aquarium Conservation-level Members are invited to a special morning at the New York Aquarium.

exhibit currently under construction, and finally we ll take a look at some of the aquarium s sharks that will occupy the new exhibit. Light refreshments served. Pre-registration required!

There Are Many Ways to Save Wildlife In addition to making a one-time donation, there are many ways that you can be a part of WCS s mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide.

4 Mornings at the Zoo 2015 Special Events for Conservation-Level Members Not a Conservation-Level Member? Mornings at the Zoo events are open only to Members at the Conservation Supporter level and above. If you are not a Conservation-level Member and would like to attend, you can join, renew, or upgrade your Membership today by calling Conservation-level Membership starts at the $295 Conservation Supporter Level. Meet the Sharks Saturday, August 15 at 9am at the New York Aquarium Conservation-level Members are invited to a special morning at the New York Aquarium. We ll hear from WCS field staff about shark conservation work in the wild, including tracking these majestic predators in the ocean. We ll also hear details about the new Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit currently under construction, and finally we ll take a look at some of the aquarium s sharks that will occupy the new exhibit. Light refreshments served. Pre-registration required! Please visit bronx- zoo.com/morn- ingsatthezoo to reserve your spot. Reservations open approximately 60 days prior to each event. There Are Many Ways to Save Wildlife In addition to making a one-time donation, there are many ways that you can be a part of WCS s mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide. Give Monthly Become a Wildlife Protector and provide ongoing monthly support to save the world s most magnificent wildlife and wild places. You can make a difference for as little as $5 per month. Please visit wcs. org/wildlifeprotectors for more info. Leave a Legacy Designate the Wildlife Conservation Society as a beneficiary in your will or of your individual retirement account or life insurance policy. Your legacy Two gift will individual enable animals WCS to from protect an as-of-yet wildlife unnamed and the spaces species they inhabit of humpback for many dolphin years in to the come. waters To off learn northern more, Australia. please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at nbenoliel@wcs.org or Become a Conservation Patron Support 500 conservation projects in 60 countries, and enjoy exclusive access to panel discussions, special events, and tours. For more information, visit wcs.org/patrons or call Give a Matching Gift Employees can double or triple the value of their donations to WCS through their company s matching gift program. Please see your company s personnel office for details.

Thousands Run for the Wild at Bronx Zoo On April 25th, more than 5,000 people ran, jogged, and walked 5 kilometers through the Bronx Zoo in support of gorilla and wildlife conservation at the seventh

Each year, this 5K run is dedicated to saving a different species. Past years have supported WCS s work to save gorillas, tigers, lions, penguins, elephants, and other wildlife.

5 Thousands Run for the Wild at Bronx Zoo On April 25th, more than 5,000 people ran, jogged, and walked 5 kilometers through the Bronx Zoo in support of gorilla and wildlife conservation at the seventh annual WCS Run for the Wild. Since its inception in 2009, more than 35,000 people have participated in the annual WCS Run for the Wild. Each year, this 5K run is dedicated to saving a different species. Past years have supported WCS s work to save gorillas, tigers, lions, penguins, elephants, and other wildlife. This year s top fundraisers were Emma and Todd Goergen from Greenwich, CT, who raised more than $24,500 for conservation. The top finisher in the men s category was Christopher Stewart of the Bronx (16:18); the top finisher in the women s category was Sayo Yamagata from Brooklyn (17:58). Congrats to all WCS Members who participated! PRESENTED BY FEATURED SPONS OR SUPPORTING SPONSORS Free Passage for Bronx River Fish On April 10th, WCS joined the New York City Parks Department, the Bronx River Alliance, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Congressman José E. Serrano, and other partners in officially opening the new River Park Fish Passage, located on the Bronx River at Boston Road and East 180th Street in the Bronx. This fish passage will allow alewife and blueback herring to swim over the East 182nd Street Dam to 12 acres of spawning and rearing habitat. This spring marks the first time that river herring will have the opportunity to spawn north of the dam since the 1600s. For more than four centuries, dams built for industry or agriculture had blocked the migration of fish along the Bronx River. The new passage will be monitored through the use of an underwater video camera and fish counter. 5 The River Park Fish Passage will help to establish a sustainable river herring population on the Bronx River, provide more food for native wildlife, and is a key component of on-going efforts to improve the river and restore NYC s coastal ecosystem. Photo: Julie Larsen Maher WCS

FAMILY, YOUTH, AND Please note that ALL WCS Education Programs require pre-registration and payment. Contact us to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

org/teacherpd Members receive discounts on most programs! FAMILY PROGRAMS Please keep an eye out for the latest dates, information, and registration by visiting www.wcs.org/programs.

crafts, exhibit visits, and storytelling. Space is extremely limited, so inquire today! Little Hatchlings for 12 month-23 month olds at CPZ, PPZ, & QZ.

1-800-433-4149 Bronx Zoo (BZ): bzeducation@wcs.org Central Park Zoo (CPZ): cpzregistration@wcs.org Prospect Park Zoo (PPZ): ppzeducation@wcs.org Queens Zoo (QZ): qzeducation@wcs.

org Family Overnight Safari at Bronx Zoo Join us for a unique overnight experience at the zoo!

Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, & picnic dinner. Beverages, dessert, late-night snack, & breakfast will be provided.

6 FAMILY, YOUTH, AND Please note that ALL WCS Education Programs require pre-registration and payment. Contact us to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Family and Youth Programs: wcs.org/programs Tours and School Programs: wcs.org/schools Birthday Parties: wcs.org/birthday Volunteer Opportunities: wcs.org/volunteer Educators: wcs.org/teacherpd Members receive discounts on most programs! FAMILY PROGRAMS Please keep an eye out for the latest dates, information, and registration by visiting Caregiver and Me Class Series Programs Designed to engage our budding animal lovers in a variety of activities, all programs include live animal encounters, movement activities, crafts, exhibit visits, and storytelling. Space is extremely limited, so inquire today! Little Hatchlings for 12 month-23 month olds at CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Toddlers/Toddler Time for 2-3 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Kinders/Kinder Kritters for 4-5 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. ONE number for all four WCS zoos! Bronx Zoo (BZ): bzeducation@wcs.org Central Park Zoo (CPZ): cpzregistration@wcs.org Prospect Park Zoo (PPZ): ppzeducation@wcs.org Queens Zoo (QZ): qzeducation@wcs.org New York Aquarium (NYAQ): nyaregistrar@wcs.org Professional Development: teacherinfo@wcs.org Family Overnight Safari at Bronx Zoo Join us for a unique overnight experience at the zoo! You and your family will be treated to fun-filled activities throughout the evening and morning, and of course, meeting some of our animals up close. Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, & picnic dinner. Beverages, dessert, late-night snack, & breakfast will be provided. No need for alarm clocks, our vocal sea lions will provide the wake-up call. September and September at Bronx Zoo. $175 Members, $185 non-members. Photo: Julie Larsen Maher WCS The WCS Education Department has a new Twitter Featuring upcoming WCS Education programs, live tweets from camps and conferences, Nature Play activities to do at home, info on ways that people can help in the wildlife conservation movement, environmental and conservation news, and fun animal facts. 6

ADULT PROGRAMS YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS Summer Zoo Camp 2015 There are still some spots left for educational summer camps for children age 2 and up!

Registration is open and some sessions have already sold out- reserve your child s spot at www.wcs.org/camp today!

Prices, dates, and times vary by facility. More info: www.wcs.org/camp.

vacations, at all five WCS parks across the city. All courses can be taken for graduate credits or P credits from the NYC Department of Education.

at the Bronx Zoo Wed-Sun through July and August Don t miss the new musical at the Bronx Zoo s Wild Asia Stage: Reusable the Musical!

From August 23rd-29th, join WCS for a non-profi t, all-inclusive road bike tour of the Adirondack Park.

7 ADULT PROGRAMS YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS Summer Zoo Camp 2015 There are still some spots left for educational summer camps for children age 2 and up! Most youth camps are Monday through Friday. Prices and times vary. Registration is open and some sessions have already sold out- reserve your child s spot at today! Teen Internship 2015 Bronx Zoo, Prospect Zoo, and Queens Zoo High school students looking for an insider perspective on potential STEM careers should look no further. Internships are 3 weeks long, focusing on field investigations, conservation practices, and even insight into some zoo professionals experiences. Prices, dates, and times vary by facility. More info: ONSITE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS The Education Division of WCS offers teacher courses throughout the year, on weekends as well as during vacations, at all five WCS parks across the city. All courses can be taken for graduate credits or P credits from the NYC Department of Education. For more information, visit wcs.org/teachers/ teacherpd or call Discounts available for Members! Reusable the Musical! at the Bronx Zoo Wed-Sun through July and August Don t miss the new musical at the Bronx Zoo s Wild Asia Stage: Reusable the Musical! Join us for great songs, puppets, and more. FREE! From August 23rd-29th, join WCS for a non-profi t, all-inclusive road bike tour of the Adirondack Park. Experience a rugged, beautiful landscape of lakes and rivers, forests and wildlife. Official Partner Cycle Adirondacks is the fi rst week-long, fully supported road tour of this magical area. There are individual and group options for week-long tours as well as 3-day or 4-day trips. Please visit cycleadirondacks.com for full details. TAKE A NATURE QUEST The Bronx and Central Park Zoos are excited to unveil four wildlife quests this season. This new series features interactive experiences for families and kids. Look for Central Park Zoo Quests, plus the Adventure Club, Activity Trail, and Flight! programs at Bronx Zoo. Photos: Julie Larsen Maher WCS 7

Members News Wildlife Conservation Society 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY 10460 www.wcs.org Help Save Wildlife and Wild Places NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LONG PRAIRIE, MN PERMIT NO.

Members News Jul/Aug 2015 what s inside 1 Baby Gorillas Debut at Bronx Zoo 2 Bouncing Baby Baboon 3 Members Evenings at Bronx Zoo 4 Mornings at the Zoo 5 Thousands Run for the Wild Free Passage for

8 Members News Wildlife Conservation Society 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY Help Save Wildlife and Wild Places NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LONG PRAIRIE, MN PERMIT NO. 939 SIGN UP FOR MEMBERS E-NEWS If you would prefer to receive online communications only, please visit wcs.org/enews. Members News Jul/Aug 2015 what s inside 1 Baby Gorillas Debut at Bronx Zoo 2 Bouncing Baby Baboon 3 Members Evenings at Bronx Zoo 4 Mornings at the Zoo 5 Thousands Run for the Wild Free Passage for Bronx River Fish 6 Family, Youth, and Adult Programs 7 Cycle Adirondacks Summer is a great time to visit the Bronx Zoo s majestic Nubian ibexes in the Baboon Reserve they share with geladas and rock hyraxes. MEMBERS NEWS STAFF: Editor/Writer: Tal Aviezer Photographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise noted Designer: Dot Payne Thanks to Max Pulsinelli, Barbara Russo, and Scott Smith 8 Photo: Julie Larsen Maher WCS

Safari Niagara 2017 Fact Sheet

Safari Niagara 2017 Fact Sheet Safari Niagara is a 150-acre nature park located in Stevensville, Ontario, and is home to over 1000 animals, reptiles and birds. Founded in 2002 by the Tykolis family, Safari Niagara is an award winning,